Nanaimo group offers free, lightly used gowns for prom

A Nanaimo group is offering free prom dresses to ensure every graduating belle feels ready to go to the ball.

Prom Closet Nanaimo is making its debut this year, offering lightly used and free gowns to make sure the financial challenges of prom don’t hold graduates back from joining celebrations.

Prom can get pricey with some teens paying upwards of $500 to get the right dress, according to volunteers, who want to offer an alternative to those in financial need as well as teens who’d rather get something second-hand.